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| President Vo Van Thuong hosted the official welcoming ceremony for the Indonesian President at the Presidential Palace on November 12. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
Ambassador, could you please share the highlights of Indonesian President Joko Widodo's recent visit to Vietnam (January 11-13)?
President Joko Widodo's most recent state visit to Vietnam was in 2018. President Joko Widodo's state visit this year is at the invitation of President Vo Van Thuong.
Over the past decade, the two countries have enjoyed strong economic cooperation and it is fundamental to move the bilateral relationship to a higher level as the two countries have also set a vision to become high-income economies by 2045, marking 100 years since independence in 1945.
Therefore, the aim of the Indonesian President's visit is to discuss economic transformation, the transition from a traditional economy to an economy driven by competitiveness.
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| Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi. (Photo: QT) |
In 2023, the two countries celebrate 10 years of Strategic Partnership.
This state visit lays the foundation for elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the future, demonstrating the strong commitment between the two countries in promoting cooperation and opening up new opportunities ahead.
Through the visit, according to the Ambassador, what are the major orientations in developing relations between the two countries in the coming time, especially economic cooperation?
Indonesia and Vietnam have a long history of relations. The two countries' founding fathers, President Soekarno and President Ho Chi Minh, were good friends and the two countries declared independence just two weeks apart in 1945.
Set against a solid historical backdrop, Indonesia-Vietnam relations continue to grow, marked by the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in 2013.
President Joko Widodo’s state visit to Vietnam focused on laying the foundation for strengthening economic cooperation in various areas such as agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, digital economy and high-tech industry. I believe that in terms of economic cooperation, the two countries should focus on investing in future economic sectors.
To ensure such growth, digital transformation is a top priority. Digital transformation allows the economy to operate much more efficiently. Indonesia-Vietnam cooperation in the digital economy will push the two countries forward. For example, promoting fintech interoperability in Indonesia and Vietnam.
It is also important to emphasize that while there are priorities for economic growth, this must not come at the expense of economic sustainability. In particular, as two partners in the Just Energy Transition Programme, extensive discussion, cooperation and exchange of experiences are required.
What is the Ambassador's assessment of the agreed goal of two-way trade reaching 15 billion USD by 2028?
Our bilateral trade has exceeded expectations. In 2022, bilateral trade reached 14.2 billion USD, far exceeding the target of 10 billion USD in 2023. Thanks to this rapid development, the target of 15 billion USD in 2028 is likely to be achieved sooner than expected.
As developing economies, Indonesia and Vietnam have similar steps. GDP growth in 2023 is expected to reach a remarkable 5% and 5.05%, respectively. Both economies are also driven by young populations. The partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam has always been based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.
To strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people connections are very important.
We are therefore delighted that in 2023 the first direct flight between our capitals since the pandemic will take off.
The Indonesian Embassy will coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and partners to organize the “Meet Indonesia” event in Khanh Hoa province in March 2024. This event will connect leaders, experts, entrepreneurs and various stakeholders from Indonesia and Vietnam.
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| There are many prospects for further development of cooperation between the two countries in the coming time. Illustrative photo. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
One area that the two countries are currently focusing on is the Halal industry. In Indonesia, the Halal industry is a fundamental part of the economy. About 86.7% or 240 million Indonesians are Muslims – the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
Therefore, both countries can cooperate to develop the Halal industry in Vietnam, including developing a mutually recognized Halal Certification and integrating the Halal ecosystem; creating new opportunities for trade as well as enhancing tourism.
Within the framework of ASEAN, how does the Ambassador assess the role of the two countries in promoting the development of the ASEAN Community?
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023 is themed “ASEAN of Greatness: The Heart of Growth”. This is our commitment to bring ASEAN closer to everyone, in each member state, in the region and beyond.
Indonesia and Vietnam have important roles in the region.
Indonesia and Vietnam are the first and third most populous countries in Southeast Asia with 275 million and 100 million people, respectively.
In terms of total GDP, Indonesia and Vietnam hold the top and fourth largest GDP positions in the region. In the field of diplomacy, the Lowy Institute’s 2023 Asia Power Index ranks the two countries at the top of the group for Diplomatic Influence in Southeast Asia. A strong, prosperous and stable Indonesia and Vietnam will benefit the development of the region.
Both countries have an increasingly important role on the international stage, with Indonesia as the Chair of the G20 in 2022 and Vietnam as a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2023-2025. These are important for ASEAN, representing ASEAN’s voice in global forums, supporting the promotion of ASEAN principles in the international community.
The ASEAN Community has achieved many things that seemed impossible, such as maintaining mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding among the very different cultures, political systems, and economic advancements among its member states. Indonesia and Vietnam, as ASEAN member states, have an important role in promoting the principles of the ASEAN Community not only among member states but also outside ASEAN.
Multilateral relations need to be founded on the fundamental principles of working together, where differences are not barriers to cooperation but instead become motivations to pursue cooperation and mutual support, as in ASEAN.
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